Your role is often focused on planning structured activities, ensuring engagement, and creating a sense of purpose for residents. But what if I told you that wandering - that seemingly aimless movement - can be just as valuable as a carefully planned session?
Wandering often gets a bad reputation, particularly in dementia care, where it's sometimes seen as a "problem behaviour" rather than a meaningful action. However, when supported safely, wandering can be an incredibly beneficial and natural activity - both for residents and for you.
The benefits of wandering for residents
Freedom and autonomy:
Many care home residents have spent their lives independently navigating the world. A sudden loss of movement and choice can feel restrictive. Allowing residents to wander (in safe spaces) gives them back a sense of autonomy, helping them feel more in control of their surroundings.
Physical health:
Movement, even in small amounts, supports circulation, strengthens muscles, and reduces the risk of pressure sores. For residents with dementia, walking can help maintain mobility for longer, reducing the risk of falls and other health complications.
Mental stimulation:
Walking at their own pace enables residents to explore their environment, even just walking down a different corridor, they are able to immerse themselves, taking in new sights, sounds, and experiences. This can help to reduce feelings of boredom, frustration, and agitation.
Emotional wellbeing:
Wandering can be soothing. Some residents walk to process emotions, reduce anxiety, or simply because it brings them comfort.
Instead of stopping wandering, consider ways to make it safer and more meaningful.
Include those who use a wheelchair:
Being in a wheelchair can be frustrating too, some residents are unable to move themselves and others may find themselves getting tired more quickly than they used to. Ensure that they are asked if they'd like to go for a little wander 'for a change of scenery' or if they'd prefer to sit in another room, or outside.
A connection to the past:
Many residents have a history of being active - perhaps they walked to work every day, took the dog out for a stroll, or enjoyed long country walks.
Wandering might be a deeply ingrained habit, and honouring it can be a way of respecting their past lifestyle.
My grandmother would often ask visitors "Would you like to take a wander down the garden?", she had a beautiful garden and took immense pride in showing it off to visitors. She often 'wandered' into town to have a browse around the shops and the market. Her purpose was to exercise and take some time out of the pressing needs of life. It was a way of switching off and relaxing.
How to support safe wandering
Create secure walking routes:
Can you make corridors and gardens safe for exploration? A clear path with visual cues can encourage movement without risk.
Provide destinations:
A bench near a window, a themed corner, or a small indoor garden or a sensory garden, can give a sense of purpose to a resident’s journey.
Adapt the environment:
Soft lighting, familiar photographs, and calming colours can make spaces more inviting and help to reduce distress.
Ensure hydration and rest:
Wandering is an exercise. It can be tiring, so make sure residents have access to drinks and comfortable places to rest.
Wandering or pacing?
Wandering involves aimless or purposeful movement around a care home, often driven by confusion or a need to find something, while pacing is repetitive movement back and forth in a set area, often linked to anxiety or restlessness.
If a resident tends to pace, try walking alongside them. Gentle conversation or even holding their hand (if appropriate) can turn pacing into wandering as a shared experience.
The value of wandering for you
It’s not just residents who can benefit from wandering - you can too!
A moment to breathe:
When the day feels overwhelming, taking a few minutes to wander yourself can be a reset. A slow walk through the garden or around the building can help you refocus and recharge.
Connection with residents:
Joining a resident on their walk, even for a short time, can be a meaningful moment of connection. It’s a chance to listen, observe, and engage in a way that feels natural rather than structured.
Fresh ideas:
Sometimes, stepping away from your desk and moving through different spaces can spark creativity. You might notice a forgotten area that could be used for activities or spot a resident’s interest in something new.
Physical wellbeing:
Activity coordinators spend a lot of time sitting - planning, recording, and organising. Taking a few extra steps throughout the day can boost your own health and energy levels.
Instead of seeing wandering as something to stop, can you embrace it as part of a resident’s wellbeing?
Can you encourage it in a way that is safe and meaningful?
Start by sharing this blog post with colleagues and fellow activity coordinators.
And for yourself - can you allow a little wandering in your own day? A break from routine, a fresh perspective, and a moment to pause might be just what you need.
Wandering isn’t just about movement. It’s about freedom, choice, and connection.
And that’s something we all need.
How do you support wandering residents in your care home? Have you ever found unexpected joy in walking alongside someone?
Share your experiences - I’d love to hear your thoughts!
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